Seniors 62 or older can get free health screenings and an introduction to fitness programs Wednesday at The Family Y, 540 Hill St. in Thomson.

The event celebrating National Senior Health and Fitness Day runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to participate in a class at 10:15. There is no charge for the activities, and no joiner's fee for seniors that day. Participants might even find out they qualify for Y membership through their insurance companies through the Silver Sneakers program.

"We are going to do blood pressure screenings and check bone density, which is very important as people get older," said Tyler Knox, the Y aerobics coordinator. Knox said brochures on other health topics will be distributed.

"We are going to have a little bit of yoga, a little bit of training, and low-impact cardio," Knox said.

Knox said the Y staff will explain the workout equipment. "We'll show them how to use the equipment, introduce them to the program, and give tours," Knox said.

David Tran, a recent addition to the Y fitness class staff, will lead some dance classes.

Corie Johnson, the Y's activities director, said many Medicare supplement plans cover fitness programs. "Their insurance will actually pay for them to be members of the Y," she said.

Johnson encouraged seniors to bring their insurance cards and let the staff verify whether the plans pay for Y membership. She said some plans that do cover the program include AARP, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana and WellCare.